The importance of keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice

By Mike Winch

Marshfield Street Superintendent

It is Wisconsin, and it is winter. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice are common elements we deal with this time of year in Marshfield, but many of us adjust to the changing weather and go on with our lifestyles.

Walking is a very good exercise, and a lot of people brave the cold in order to walk. Whether it is the mail person delivering your mail, kids walking to school, your paper getting delivered, or just for the exercise, sidewalks in town get used year-round.

In Marshfield there is an ordinance that requires abutting property owners to keep the sidewalks in front of the property they own free of snow and ice. There is a 48-hour time period after the snow has ended for property owners to get the sidewalks cleared. If the sidewalks are not in compliance, the property owners are subject to the cost of having the sidewalk cleared and also a fine.

The Street Division itself is responsible for 12 miles of sidewalk in the city, and the Parks Department maintains all the sidewalks by the parks and also the bike trail system. We know the job of keeping sidewalks cleared is not an easy task and seems endless at times, but realize the importance of providing a safe means for pedestrian traffic in our city.

Thanks to all the property owners who keep a safe sidewalk on the route I use when I have the time to enjoy a walk and all the other property owners in the city of Marshfield who have safe sidewalks through the winter season. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and a safe sidewalk is greatly appreciated.

To those few that do not feel it is important and do nothing to keep the sidewalks clean, think again as it is very important to many more people than you realize.

I hope everyone has a safe winter. Stay healthy, stay active, and maybe I will see you out walking, but bundle up because it is Wisconsin, and it is winter.